Welcome, emerging farmers!

Resources for Emerging Farmers

Starting your own urban or small-space farm is no simple task, but we hope to make it easier. Take advantage of all the resources we’ve gathered for you here on one page. We know the sooner you can get growing, the sooner you can feed those who depend on you!

The Tool Shed green logo
SEE MORE FOR EMERGING FARMERS ON THE TOOL SHED →

Dig In!

Download our Dig In Guides and learn how to prep, plan and grow a vegetable garden in USDA Hardiness Zones 3, 4 and 5.

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More to Explore…

Success Stories

  • A Garden at the Heart of Its Community

    Face to Face’s school garden reaps the benefits of support from both the Garden-in-a-Box program and a Community Foods Project grant.

    READ THE STORY

  • The Growing Power of Placemaking

    Since 2017, MSHS has been helping create connection and placemaking through gardening at the intersection of Como and Rice streets in St. Paul through our Minnesota Green program.

    Read the Story

  • Little Sprouts

    A new generation of gardeners gets hooked on growing in southern Minnesota’s Le Sueur County.

    READ THE STORY

  • The People’s Garden

    A communal garden in North Minneapolis supports the community with more than just food.

    Read the Story

  • Front Yard Farming: The Black Radish

    Thanks to the artists and market gardeners in South Minneapolis, blocks of front yard are food gardens!

    READ THE STORY

Youth Corner

Explore resources for youth of all ages and skill types!

We’ve collected a list of lessons, curricula and more from trusted partners. Click on any of the logos to get started.

Enjoy hands-on activities in a one-on-one environment or share these resources with a class.

For more resources, click below.

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child and homegrown cucumber
Our Garden-in-a-Box program helps children enjoy growing their own food.
garden with children strawberru
Growing your own food is a great experience for children.
child in garden
A student weeds the children’s garden at St. Paul City School.
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PDF Guides and Lesson Plans
Junior Master Gardener
Preschool and Early Childhood Curriculum
AgMag
Free publications and courses for K-6
Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association
High school horticultural curriculum

Crop Profiles

Latinx Crop Profiles
Hmong Crop Profiles
Ojibwe Crop Profiles
Somali Crop Profiles
Dakota crop profiles

Volunteer with Us

Volunteering with the Minnesota Horticultural Society is a great way to network with others and learn more along the way.

look for open opportunities →

Gain more benefits through membership

New emerging farmers may apply for discounted Affiliated membership for access to classes, exclusive resources and more.

LEARN MORE

Support our mission

Help us provide access to expert resources and support community programs for all cold-climate gardeners.

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Get inspired to garden

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